The Family of Origin Play Therapy Genogram

How To Do A Play Therapy Family of Origin Genogram

Use the play therapy genogram when you need to get more information about the client’s home life and family system. I can get more information about the family system in one play therapy family of origin genogram than ten sessions of "talk therapy."

A play therapy genogram can be used with paper, sand tray, or in the doll house.

Materials for Play Therapy Genogram:

If you plan to use a paper play therapy genogram see the worksheet below.

Miniatures or Markers

Directions for Creating A Play Therapy Genogram:

1. The basic rules of a play therapy genogram are the male and female symbols. Males are represented by the square and females are represented by the circle.

2. To create a basic family play therapy genogram start with the family of origin. The parents are represented on the top of the line and the male symbol is placed first, followed by the female symbol.

The children are underneath the line drawn from left to right. The oldest child is placed to the left.

Other children are added based on oldest to youngest with the symbol of the sex.

3. To add grandparents repeat the same process above the father and the mother symbol of the genogram.

4. If your client is using miniatures on the play therapy genogram have them chose what miniatures they wish to represent each family member. Then ask them to place the miniatures on the appropriate symbol.

5. If your client is using markers have them draw a picture of the person inside the appropriate symbol of the play therapy genogram.

Basic Male With Parents Play Therapy Genogram Example:

Play Therapy Family Genogram With Three Children Example:

Disclaimer: This website and its content is intended for trained licensed mental health professionals and school certified mental health professionals to use for their clients / students at their own discretion.

*If you ignore the disclaimer above are using these techniques on yourself and you feel any discomfort or upset it is highly suggested that you seek out a licensed mental health professional immediately.

"Beyond Art Therapy" is the concept from Dr. Stangline that combines all creative fields in therapy. It is not the traditional "art therapy" but goes beyond to include sand tray therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, meditation, color therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a vast majority of other therapies.

For any other type of mental health emergency call your local 911 / Police Number immediately.

Dr. Stangline does not offer advice / suggestions to anyone who is not a professional mental health provider, or a student who is studying this field and has questions about mental health programs of study.

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